Statewide Family Network ProgramThe Statewide Family Network Program builds on the work of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Mental Health Services. This program will enhance state capacity and infrastructure to better respond to children and teens who have mental health challenges. It encourages family involvement by providing information, referrals, and support to families and connecting them to state and local mental health services planning and policy development. Applications are due Jan. 21, 2016.

National Child Traumatic Stress InitiativeThis initiative, supported by the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, seeks to address behavioral health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities by encouraging implementation of strategies to improve access, service use, and outcomes among underserved populations. Apply by Jan. 20, 2016.

Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and EnrollmentThe Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment program will accept applications for grant funding through Jan. 20, 2016. These Cycle IV cooperative agreements, supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will promote outreach strategies and encourage grantee participation in key outreach initiatives coordinated by the Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign. The Campaign provides a full range of communication and enrollment materials, including customizable posters and flyers, radio and TV public service announcements, and videos featuring successful outreach strategies.

Training Opportunities

Protecting Children of Arrested ParentsParental arrest can have long-lasting traumatic effects on a child. Shock, confusion, and fear are just a few emotions that arise when a child's parent is taken into custody. A
new video developed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Bureau of Justice Assistance trains law enforcement agencies on safeguarding children of arrested parents. The video outlines strategies to help police implement a trauma-informed approach for protecting children before, during, and after a parent's arrest.

Webinar on Reducing Hot SpotsA key element of crime reduction is to remove the opportunity for crimes to occur. The International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training and the Bureau of Justice Assistance are broadcasting a Webinar, Building Analytical Capacity Initiative: Strategic Crime Analysis—Reducing Hot Spots and Solving Problems, Dec. 1, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. To register, click here.

Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) for OfficersDefining the school community as those who shape it—teachers, students, administrators, and parents—this week-and-a-half-long G.R.E.A.T. training beginning Dec. 7 in St. Louis, Mo., will teach officers to effectively interact with the school system and community.

Trends in Child WelfareThis presentation, led by the director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, will discuss positive trends in children's mental health, crime, bullying, and abuse. Reasons behind the trends will be explored, as well as related policy implications. Join the Dec. 10 Webinar from 1 to 3 p.m. (CST).

Second Chance Act and Justice and Mental Health ConferencesThe 2015 Second Chance Act (SCA) and Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) National Conferences will be held Dec. 14–18, 2015, in Washington, D.C. Cosponsored by OJJDP and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the conferences offer SCA and JMHCP grantees a chance to engage with criminal justice and behavioral health experts. Sessions will address evidence-based practices for reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for people in the criminal justice system with behavioral health conditions.

Child Sex Trafficking: Awareness and ResponseHosted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, this 3½ day training beginning Dec. 17, 2015, in New Orleans, La., looks at issues around child sex trafficking cases, including the scope of the problem, state and federal considerations, interviewing, and coordinating services.

National Conference on Juvenile JusticeNext year's
National Conference on Juvenile Justice, March 20–23, 2016, will feature sessions on trauma-informed justice, crossover youth, alternatives to detention, dating violence, disproportionate minority contact, and more. The conference will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.